Why did C.J. Gardner-Johnson leave the Ravens? Inside what really went down

Well, that didn’t last long. Just a week after joining the Baltimore Ravens, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is already back on the free-agent market. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens and Gardner-Johnson have mutually agreed to part ways, ending what turned out to be one of the shortest tenures of the season.

This marks CJGJ’s second release in 2025, following his earlier stint with the Houston Texans, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the fiery defensive back.

Ravens and C.J. Gardner-Johnson part ways after just one week together

When Gardner-Johnson joined Baltimore’s practice squad earlier this month, many fans expected him to eventually earn a spot on the active roster. But things didn’t pan out that way. As reported by Schefter, the Ravens and the veteran safety agreed it was best to go separate ways after just one week.

The 26-year-old never appeared in a game for Baltimore, and according to multiple reports, the decision was “mutual and amicable.” With the Ravens’ secondary already stacked and healthy, there just wasn’t much room for CJGJ to make an impact. Sometimes, the fit just isn’t right and this was one of those times.

It’s been a rollercoaster 2025 season for Gardner-Johnson

This season has been all over the place for Gardner-Johnson. He started off with the Houston Texans, where he played a few games before being released earlier in the year.

Then came his brief stop in Baltimore, which ended almost as quickly as it began.

Despite the constant moves, Gardner-Johnson’s reputation as a hard-hitting, high-energy safety still follows him. He’s known for his swagger, trash talk, and leadership on the field, traits that helped him shine during his time with the Eagles and Lions in previous seasons. But 2025 just hasn’t given him the right opportunity to showcase that spark.With two releases in a single season, Gardner-Johnson is once again a free agent, waiting for the next team to call. The league has seen how dynamic he can be when locked in especially during his standout 2022 run in Philadelphia so it’s not crazy to think someone could take a midseason chance on him.Still, given how quickly things have unraveled in both Houston and Baltimore, teams might be cautious before making a move. It’s been a rough ride for CJGJ this season, but his fire and talent haven’t gone anywhere. If the right team needs secondary depth and a little attitude, he could find himself back on the field soon.Also read - What happened to DJ Moore and why he was hospitalized after Monday night: Latest update on his health